What do I NEED to cover on the very first day?
Kindergarten is the most wonderful, exciting, amazing a time in a child’s life. Sometimes it is a child’s very first experience with school. When I first started teaching kindergarten five years ago, I was so excited to jump right in and hit the ground running. I found out VERY quickly that the first day of kindergarten is often singing songs, playing games, and comforting these kiddos when the tears well up.
Procedure! Procedure! Procedure!
Teaching procedure the first day (actually WEEKS) is absolutely necessary for the sake of your students and yourself. I spend SOOO much time going over how to do EVERYTHING. From going to the bathroom, to lining up, to how to talk at lunch. You name it, we talk about, act it out, and draw pictures of expectations! Everything included in my NEED to teach on the first day of kindergarten list below is most likely done multiple times.
What I NEED To Teach On The First Day Of Kindergarten
- How to greet teachers and classmates
- Names of teachers and classmates
- Where to sit - assigned spot
- How to sit - criss cross
- Where to put folder
- Where to put book bag/coat/lunchbox
- Morning Routine
- Bathroom Procedures
- How to wash hands
- How to stand in a line
- How to get into a line
- How to walk in the hallway
- Tour of the school
- Classroom rules
- How to raise your hand
- How to listen when the teacher is talking
- How to handle a book
- How to use scissors
- How to listen to a book being read
- How to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
- Procedures for centers
- How to write name
- Where classroom supplies go
- How to hold pencil/crayon/marker
- Recess Procedures
- Lunchroom Procedures
- How to be a good friend
- Dismissal Procedures
- How to get on the bus
You will probably go over all of these things and MORE because kindergarten is hard work and takes a lot of practice. One of the most important things to do is to make sure these little kindergartners feel comfortable and happy. Real learning occurs in an environment that students WANT to be in and in a place where they can be themselves. They might not feel that way the very first day, but they will if you foster a comfortable environment!
Your first day is going to be great! I hope this list was helpful for you!
Happy Teaching,
Jessie
6 thoughts on “The First Day Of Kindergarten”
Thank you so much! I’ve taught for 11 years but never in kindergarten so this list is super helpful!!
You are SO welcome! You’re going to LOVE kindergarten! Good luck to you, it will be great!!!
Hi, I have taught grades 3-8 and Reading Specialist for the past 22 years. This will be my first time in Kindergarten! I’m excited and a bit nervous. Thanks for the ideas!
Wow! I’m sure you’ve had a wonderful impact on those students throughout the years! You are going to do GREAT in kindergarten! I’m so glad this was helpful to you!
Thank you so much for this! Teaching kindergarten is a challenge, especially for new teachers, not know where to start. These resources will really be helpful.
I’m always happy to help fellow teachers! Thank you for the kind words. 🙂